2025 marks 17 years since Suzanne Collins introduced the brutal world of The Hunger Games and its defiant heroine, Katniss Everdeen. With a new prequel arriving soon, now's the perfect time to revisit the books that started it all.
Set in a dystopian society where children fight to the death, The Hunger Games ignited a YA phenomenon and inspired countless readers. If you're ready to dive back into Panem, or experience it for the first time, here's the reading order: You can also explore our guides to The Hunger Games movies and similar books.
AnswerSee ResultsHow to Read the Hunger Games Books in Order
While the newest addition, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, precedes the original trilogy, understanding the original three books enhances the prequel's impact. We recommend reading the originals first, but a chronological journey through Panem is perfectly acceptable starting with Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.
### Includes All 4 Books Hunger Games Box Set
7See paperback and hardcover options.See it at Amazon
1. The Hunger Games
### The Hunger Games
0Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun...See it at Amazon
This groundbreaking YA novel launched the Hunger Games franchise. Inspired by a blend of war coverage and reality TV, Suzanne Collins created a bestselling story of children forced to fight to the death. It's a brutal yet captivating dystopian tale that spawned countless imitators and a hugely successful film franchise.
Katniss Everdeen, a resourceful young woman from impoverished District 12, struggles to survive. When her sister is chosen for the Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers, embarking on a harrowing journey of survival alongside Peeta Mellark. She must outwit not only her fellow tributes but also the manipulative Capitol.
2. Catching Fire
### Catching Fire
0Sparks are igniting. Flames are spreading. And the Capitol wants revenge. See it at Amazon
Following their survival, Katniss and Peeta face even greater danger. Their defiance has sparked rebellion, and President Snow threatens those Katniss loves. Their "Victory Tour" exposes the injustices of Panem, and Katniss finds herself thrust back into the arena, facing new challenges and fan-favorite characters like Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason. This installment masterfully sets up the series' shocking conclusion.
3. Mockingjay
### Mockingjay
0My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead.See it at Amazon
The thrilling conclusion sees Katniss and her allies in an all-out war against the Capitol. As they fight to overthrow President Snow, Katniss becomes the reluctant face of the rebellion, facing unimaginable challenges and betrayals. The Hunger Games spill onto the streets of the Capitol, testing Katniss's resilience and revealing the true nature of power. This finale offers a surprisingly dark and realistic ending.
Note: The film adaptation of this book was split into two parts: Mockingjay – Part 1 and Part 2*.
4. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
### The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
0Ambition will fuel him. Competition will drive him. But power has its priceSee it at Amazon
This prequel, set 64 years before the original trilogy, offers a fascinating backstory. While written with existing fans in mind, its placement at the end allows for a richer understanding of the original books. It follows young Coriolanus Snow as he mentors a tribute from District 12, Lucy Gray Baird, and their intertwined fates shape the future of Panem.
Will There Be More Hunger Games Books?
Preorder the Next Novel### Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel)
48Release: March 18, 2025.$27.99 save 30%$19.59 at Amazon$27.99 save 32%$18.99 at Kindle
Four years after The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Suzanne Collins announced Sunrise on the Reaping, another prequel set 40 years after Lucy Gray's story and 24 years before The Hunger Games, featuring Haymitch Abernathy. A film adaptation is planned for release in November 2026.
Looking for more? Check out our reading lists for The Lord of the Rings, Percy Jackson, and Game of Thrones.
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